Immigration. Travel. Living.

Living in Sao Tomé and Príncipe – expat life

São Tomé and Príncipe are twin islands situated in the Gulf of Guinea, They have made it a vital crossing point between many continents. Foreigners are very interested in migrating to the country. The process is easy, with no restrictions on buying properties so it is easy to own houses.

An Island

Significant considerations

These include:

Visa requirements

Research visa requirements for foreigners from your supposed country. Get the required documents and obtain a visa before entering the country.

Cost of living 

The overall cost of living is lower than other countries around the area, but keep in mind the cost of imported products can be on the high side.

Accommodation

Housing options have a very wide range from common apartments to luxury mansions. Rents can differ depending on location and preference. Check for neighborhoods that suit your needs and budget. 

Living in advantages

Humans do not just stand up one day and move to a new place without an additional benefit attached to the movement. Such benefits are as follows: 

Affordability

The cost of living is quite low when compared to many other tropical locations. For people who moved, because they want to get something more lucrative, you can have an average lifestyle and still have money to send home.

Citizenship

Through staying in the country for some years and through investment, foreigners can become citizens of the country. The investment must be a profitable one for the nation and its citizens. 

Stable political climate

With a democratic and dedicated government, they encourage migration from other countries and international businesses. Noncitizens benefit from this consistency as it lowers the risk of losing one’s life, and properties among others.

Tax incentives

The nation provides noncitizens with advantageous tax regulations, such as cheap property taxes and no capital gains tax on real estate sales. Property owners may get increased returns on their investments as a result of these tax benefits.

Diverse investment opportunities

There are varieties of investment opportunities, such as real estate, business projects, and tourism-related endeavors. People who came in with the motive to find greener pastures can use these opportunities.

Economy expansion

The tourism, agriculture, and energy industries have been the major sectors of economic growth in recent years. That is to say that the economy of the country keeps growing steadily.

Living in disadvantages

As several reasons attract foreigners, some things can be of disadvantage. They are:

Language barrier

Portuguese is the official language, and English is spoken well in some tourist areas. So there might be communication barriers because of a lack of understanding.

Infrastructure challenges

Infrastructure development has been stagnate for a while but it is ongoing now. So some locations lack basic reliable daily amenities like electricity, water, and internet, but it comes once in a while.

Limited healthcare

Healthcare facilities are limited especially outside the capital, but it is under development process and improvement has been recorded.

Adjustment tips

Here are certain tips that will help you adjust before you even know it, they are:

Learn the basis of Portuguese 

A few basic phrases will go a long way to help in daily conversations and interactions.

Culture

Chose to embrace the local culture, try the traditional delicacies, and be involved in local events.

Have an average expectation

Be prepared for a different lesson in life and be ready to adapt to infrastructure limitations, their mannerisms, and their way of life.

Get connected with other ex-pats 

Some ex-pats have come before you and they have adjusted, gotten information about them, and joined their communities. Connect with them, learn, and share.

Stay, and utilize the opportunities at your doorstep.

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